Foreign Language Learning in Primary Schools Inquiry

Remit

At its meeting on 20 October 2012, the Committee agreed to undertake an inquiry into the Scottish Government proposal to increase foreign language learning in primary schools. This proposal put forward plans to teach all young people two languages (as well as their mother tongue) from the first year of primary school onwards. The Scottish Government piloted this exercise in selected schools across Scotland.

In the course of its inquiry the Committee considered the means and allocation of funding for the project, the skills base and resources that would be made available for it, and the specific languages to be taught. The Committee also considered the capacity for the proposals within the current curriculum, as well as the role of languages in overall economic development.

Timetable

The inquiry was conducted in three stages:

Phase 1: School Visits (Dec 2012 - Mar 2013)

The launch of the inquiry took place on 14 December 2014 at Dalmarnock Primary School in Glasgow. The visit to Dalmarnock Primary School was the first of seven school visits arranged across Scotland to discuss the issues with those most involved.

The inquiry concluded on 19 September 2013 when the Committee considered the Scottish Government's response to its report at its formal meeting.

Evidence

The Committee issued a call for evidence on its inquiry into the teaching of foreign languages in primary schools on 14th December 2012. The taking of formal written and oral evidence focused on issues of funding, skills and resources, the capacity within the curriculum to accommodate further language study, the choice of languages for teaching, and the role of languages in economic development.

Written Evidence

The Committee received written submissions to its inquiry between 14 December 2012 and 22 February 2013.